Press Release - Tuesday, June 10, 2025
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Area youth invited to kids' fishing derby June 14 at Weldon Springs State Park
SPRINGFIELD - Weldon Springs State Park in DeWitt County will offer a kids' fishing derby on Saturday, June 14 to celebrate Illinois free fishing days. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the concession area. The derby is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Trophies will be awarded for the top three participants in each age group based on the total number of fish caught from the bank. The age group divisions are 6 and under, 7 to 9, and 10 to 12. There is no registration fee, and no experience is needed. Volunteers will be available to assist participants.
The derby is sponsored by the Weldon Springs Foundation and Boy Scout Troop 142. For more information, call the Weldon Springs State Park office at 217-935-2644.
Free fishing days are an opportunity for those who want to try fishing for the first time or get reacquainted with the activity at no cost. Youth and adults alike can discover the joy of fishing and develop an appreciation for Illinois' lakes, rivers, streams and wildlife. Anglers can fish June 13-16 this year without purchasing fishing licenses, salmon stamps or inland trout stamps.
Visit ifishillinois.org for more information about fishing in Illinois.
About IDNR
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is celebrating 100 years of conservation and service to the people of Illinois throughout 2025. The department was established July 1, 1925, as the Illinois Department of Conservation, bringing under one umbrella oversight of fish and game, forestry, public works, and lakes.
Today, IDNR's work encompasses management of about 400 sites across Illinois, including state parks and historic sites; wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and natural heritage; Lake Michigan water allocation and coastal management; conservation police; mines and minerals; oil and gas; issuance of licenses, permits, and numerous grants; the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta; and the Illinois State Museum. Visit https://dnr.illinois.gov for more information.
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